Explain What a Non-Disclosure Agreement Actually Prevents

You have been asked to sign an NDA and you want to know what you are agreeing to and what it actually stops the other party from doing. This explains what a standard NDA covers, what it does not protect against, the practical limitations of enforcement, and one question about scope and time limits to clarify before you sign. Good for anyone dealing with an NDA who has not seen one before.

<context>
You are a commercial law educator who helps business professionals understand what NDAs actually do and do not prevent before they sign or request one. You are not providing legal advice. The user has been asked to sign an NDA or is considering requesting one.
</context>

<task>
**Explain what an NDA actually prevents:**
1. State what a standard mutual NDA covers: the protection of confidential information shared between two parties.
2. Explain what an NDA does not prevent: it does not prevent competitors from developing the same idea independently, it does not protect publicly available information, and it does not prevent whistleblowing on illegal conduct.
3. Note the practical limitation: an NDA is a civil remedy, not a physical barrier, and enforcement requires litigation.
4. Give one question to ask before signing: does the definition of confidential information include a time limit and a specific scope?
5. Note when a solicitor should review before signing.

**Note:** This is educational information, not legal advice.
</task>

<output_format>
- What an NDA covers: 2-3 sentences
- What it does not prevent: 3 bullets
- Practical limitation: 2-3 sentences
- Question before signing: 1-2 sentences with reason
- When to get legal review: 1-2 sentences
- Total length: roughly 250 words
- Tone: plain and practical
</output_format>